
Gass 



E 3)2 



Book_^M3 



S.4 3 



LIST 



3J J 



WASHINGTON MEMORIAL MEDALS. 



W. ELLIOT WOODWARD. 




PRIVATELY PRINTED. 
1805. 



'^ 




No.<^S 



EDITION : 

50 Copies Octavo, 

Of which 12 are on English Drawing Paper. 



J2> 






MEMORIAL MEDALS. 



IJuriug the lifetime of Washingtou his effigy and name ap- 
peared on many medals, some struck here, and others originating 
abroad. One of the latter, said to be ' the first uf the Wash- 
ington medals, was designed and struck by order of Voltaire. 
Oddly enough it bears the bust of Bentham, or according to 
another authority, of Hume, but certainly not tliat of him whose 
fame it was intended to commemorate. 

In the bill for the establishment of the mint of the United 
States as it originated in the senate, it was provided that there 
should be placed on the coins "a representation of the head of 
the president," but this was amended in the lower house by 
substituting " upon one side of said coins there shall be an im- 
pression emblematic of liberty." Doubtless this action of Con- 
gress was in accordance with the expressed wish of the president, 
and it is stated that at his suggestion the head of liberty was 
substituted for his own. 

Prior, however, to the establishment of the mint, several coins 
made their appearance in silver and copper, bearing on the 
obverse the bust of Washington, and on the reverse an eagle 
and shield, with appropriate inscriptions. These are the cele- 
brated Washington half dollars and cents, so highly prized by 
American numismatists and collectors. In the absence of posi- 
tive knowledge, there is good reason for believing that while a 
portion of these pieces were of native American origin, others 
were of English design and manufacture. 

One of these coins bearing date 1792, and known to collect- 
ors as the " naked bust Washington cent," it is quite certain is 
neither more nor less than an English tradesman's token, and 
yet it is so rare, and deemed by collectors so desirable, that a 



iMass. Hist. Col. III. vi, 236. 



4 M EMU 11 1 A J- MEJ)ALS. 

siiecinieii soUl at aiiolion in New Yuik not loiii>- since, prudiiced 
the comparatively enormous sum of four hundred and eighty 
dolhus, and some of the Washington half dollars are held to bo 
nearly, or quite as valuahle. 

As it would be impracticable in the space here allowed to 
iiive even a list of the known medals of Washington, it is only 
proposed to furnish bi'ief descriptions of a portion of the niedallic 
memorials of liis <lc(ith. It may be mentioned that in a single 
collection sold in New York in the early part of the present 
year (ISlif)), no less than o77 varieties of the Washington pieces 
were offered, and it is supposed that a iicrfiit collection would 
comprise as many as (iUO varieties. 

A siiiiiular discrepancy will be noticed in the date of death 
as given by different authorities — varying from the 14th to 
the 21st of December, and comprising no less than four distinct 
dates, namely: the 1-ltli, 15th, 17th, and 21st. 

As this article may fall under the eye of some person not fa- 
miliar with the terms used in the description of medals, it is 
proper for the writer to state that the al)breviation Obv. is for 
Obverse, the face or priucijial side of a coin or medal — liev. for 
Reverse — Ins. for Inscription, and Leg. for Legend. The size 
as given, indicates the diameter in sixteenths of ;;u inch, or ac- 
cording to the American scale; for example, a medal of size 24 
is I2 inches in diameter, while one of size 48 is of the diameter 
of o inches. This system > f niea.- ui'cment is much more simple 
than that by the scale of 3Iionnet commonly used abroad, in 
wliich the divisions are irregular, and entirely arbitrary. 

H No. 1. Indian or Peace Medal. 

Obv., bust of Washington on a pedestal, on which is 
depicted a landscape, ship sailing, man ploughing, military 
trophies, &c. On the right stands a figure representing Liberty, 
and on the left an Indian chief. Leg., General GtEORGE 
Washington, President of the United States. In the 
exergue, Born February, 1732 ; Died December, 1799. 
Rev., plain. Silver, size 40. 

A medal of very rare occurrence. One may be seen in the 
cabinet of the mint at Philadelphia. 



MEMORIAL MEDALS. O 

No. 2. The Ecclestoii Medal. 

Obv., :i beautifully executed bust, but a poor likeness, 
facing right. Under the shoulder the name of the artist, 
Webb. Ins., General Washington, inscribed to his 

MEMORY BY D. EoCLESTON, LANCASTER, MDCCCV. Kev., 
in the centre an Indian standing, leaning on a bow and hold- 
ing in his right hand an arrow. Around the Indian, the 
LAND WAS OURS. The whole surrounded with the inscription 
in three concentric circles : He laid the Foundation of 
American Liberty in the XVIII century. Innumerable 

MILLIONS yet unborn WILL VENERATE THE MEMORY, OF 
THE MAN WHO OBTAINED THEIR COUNTRY'S FREEDOM. 

Bronze, size 51. 
This medal designed by, and executed at the expense of an 
English admirer of Washington, is perhaps the finest of the 
series. Though the dies are probably no longer in existence, 
fine specimens arc easily procured either here or in England. 

1^0. 3. The Ecclestou Medal. 

In white metal or tin. A single specimen in this metal 
exists in the cabinet of Wm. S. Appleton, Esq., of Boston. It 
was discovered in a collection recently brought to notice in 
Xew York, which had scarcely seen the lii2,ht for half a century. 
It is probably unitjue. 

No. 4. The Cabinet Medal. 

Obv.. a panel bearing the bust of \Vashington facing- 
right, with the engraver's name below. — On a raised rim 
the Leg., (Ieorge Washington, born February 22, 
1732 ; DIED December 14, 1799. Rev., on a panel, a 
representation of the Washington Cabinet in the mint of the 
United States at Philadelphia. (The cabinet is monumental in 
form, surmounted by a bust and surrounded by a railing.) 
Leg., Washington Cabinet of Medals; United States 
Mint ; Inaugurated February 22, 1860. 

Bronze, size 38. 

A fine medal, designed and executed by A. C. Paquet, by 



V 



MEMUlilAL MEDALS. 

urdcr of Coluiicl James Koss Snowdon, while the latter was 
director of tiie mint. The dies of this piece are the property 
of the government, and the medals struck iu various metals 
may be procured at the mint. 

No. 5. Tlic larger, Perkins Medal. 

Obv., bust facing left within a wi'cath of laurel. Leg., 
George Washington. Rev., a tomb inscribed victor 
SINE CLADE. The tomb surmounted by an urn, by the 
side of which a child is weeping. In the back ground im- 
plements of war; at the left a female figure weeping and sup- 
porting with her right hand the shield of the United States. 
Leg., He is in glory, the world in tears. In the exergue. 
Born February 11, 1732. Tin, size oG. 

Dudley A. Tyng was the designer of this medal and the credit 
of execution has usually been accorded to Jacob Perkins. The 
dies were made in the shop of Jacob Perkins, but the work was 
by Nicholas Pearce, who died within a few years at an advanced 
age in Newburyport. Mr. Pearce retained in his possession till 
his death, one of the earliest and finest impressions, always re- 
fusing for it the most tempting offers. After his death it was 
purchased of Mrs. Pearce, and having passed through various 
hands has found a permanent resting {dace in a celebrated col- 
lection. 

No. 6. The smaller, Perkins Medal. 

Obv., bust in military costume, surrounded by a laurel 
wreath. Leg., He is in glory, the world in tears. 
Eev., a funereal urn inscribed G. W., and nearly surrounded 
by the following inscription in two concentric lines : B. p. 
11, 1732. G. A. ARM. 75 R. 83 : i>'. u. s. a. 89. g. arm. u. s. 
98: OB. d. 14, 1799. Silver, size 18. 

No. 7. The smaller, Perkins Medal — second variety. 

Obv., same as that of the medal last described. Rev., a 

skull and cross bones, and in four concentric lines the Ins. 

B. Feb. 11, 1732. Gen. Am. Armies, 1775. Re. 1783. 



MEMORIAL MEDALS. l 

Pres. U. S. Am. 89. R. 9(). Gen. Arm. U. S. Am. 98. 
Ob. D. 15, 99. Silver, size 18. 

Tiie dies for this piece aad the preceding were designed and 
probably cut by Jacob Perkins, at Newburyport, in Mass. 
The medals being worn by many who took part in the funeral 
solemnities at tliat place, were very extensively distributed 
over the country. They were made in various other metals be- 
sides silver. The first variety is often met with in tin ; a few 
exist in gold and one specimen only is known in copper. 

The second variety which is much less common than the 
first is usually found in silver. A single original is known 
in gold. 

These pieces have always been flivorites with collectors and 
owing to their rarity, have, whenever oflFercd, commanded very 
liberal prices, but the recent discovery in New York of a quan- 
tity of each variety in both gold and silver causes the origi- 
nals to be held in less esteem than formerly ; the discovery 
alluded to, having brought out a supply injudiciously large 
when taken in connection with the moderate demand. 

Kg. 8. Oval Funeral Medal. 

Obv., head facing left, with the initials Gr. W. below. 
The whole surrounded by a wreath of laurel. Leg., HE is in 
glory, the world in tears, llev., plain. 

Gold— oval, 17 by 19. 

Two specimens are known in gold, and one in copper. One 
of the rarest and most beautiful of the medallic memorials of 
Washington ; its origin is not known, but it is probably from 
a die by Perkins. This supposition is strengthened by the fiict 
that for the obverses of his small funeral medals he cut no 
less than four or five distinct dies, all of which in design and 
workmanship bear general resemblance to this. Being oval it 
was probably rejected for unsuitableness of form, after taking 
from it a few trial impressions. No corresponding reverse is 
known to exist. 

No. 9. Lovett's Medal. 

Obv., undraped bust facing to the right. Ins., Geor- 



8 MEMORIAL MEDAL?. 

Gius Wasiitnoton, Pr.t.s. I'ium. Rep. Conf. Amkr. 
MDCCLXXXTX. Ikneath the bust, Lovett, Pliila. Ee- 
verse a beautiful figuic of Minerva seated; at her left hand an 
altar and in her right a laurel wreath. Surrounding the figure 
a wreath of palm leaves and the inscription : Fideli ceIita 
MERGES ; within the circle the date 18G0 in Roman numerals. 
Leg., Xatus, Feb. xxii, MDCCXXXII, Obit. Dec. xiv, 
MDCCXCTX. Bronze, size 33. 

The dies for this medal are by Robert Lovett, Jr., of Phila- 
delphia. The work is very creditable to the artist, especially in 
comparison with most American medals of Washington. The 
dies still exist and the medal may be procured in various 
metals. 

J No. 10. Wasliington, Kosciusko and Lafayette 

Medal. 

Obv., three busts facing left. Leg., To the Heroes of 
Liberty the Friends of the People's Independence. 
The name of the artist, Rogat, in tlie exergue. Rev., three 
oak wreaths and three inscriptions as follows : GtEORGE 
Washington, born the 22d Feb'y, 1732, at Bridge Creek, 

DIED THE 14th DECEMBER, 1799, AT MoUNT VeRNON. 

Thaddeus Kosciusko, born the 12th Feb'y, 1746, at 
Meruzowszezyzna, died the 16th October, 1817, at 
Soleure. Lafayette 31. J. p. R. Y. (tilbert du Mother, 
born the 6tii of September, 1757, at Chaviniac, died 
THE 20th May, 1834, in Paris. In the exergue, Cercle 
Britannique, Rue Nkuve, St. Augustine, No. 58 a Paris. 

Bronze, size 32. 

!N"o. 11. Series ISTmnismatica. 

Head facing right ; beneath. Bacon Sculp. Leg., Geor- 
Gius Washington. Rev., Natus Virginiae in America 
Foederata, M. DCC. XXXII. Obit. An M. DCC. 
XCIX. Series numismatica universalis virorum illus- 
TRiuM, M. DCCC. XIX. DuRAND Edidit. 

Bronze, size 26. 

The bust on this medal bears not the slightest rcsembla)iee 



MEMORIAL MEDALS. 9 

to any likeness of Washington and was probably engraved for 
some other person and (ulaptcd to its present use. 

No. 12. Series Niimismatica — second variety. 

Obv., head facing left. Leg., Georgius Washington. 
Rev., same as the preceding. Bronze, size 2G. 

No. 13. Series Numismatica — third variety. 

Obv., head facing left. Leg., Georgius Wasington. 
Below the bust, Vivier F. Rev., same as the two preceding. 
An error will be noticed in the legend, the occurrence of which 
probably led to the rejection of the die. Bronze, size 26. 

The three medals last described are of French workman- 
ship and form part of the very extensive "Series Nuniis- 
matica." Most of the dies still exist and fine sets can be im- 
ported at a cost of about one dollar each piece with the excep- 
tion of the Washingtons and a few others relating to America, 
which command a somewhat higher price. 

No. 14. 

Obv., at top of the medal an eagle holding in its talons 
the arrows and olive branch, and in its beak a scroll inscribed 
E Pluribus UnujM, head facing right at the bottom in a small 
oval panel, around which is the inscription, George Washing- 
ton, BORN 1732, DIED 1799. On each side twelve stars and 
across the field in four lines the ins.. First in War 
First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of his Country- 
men. Rev., a woman seated, writing in a library. Ins., 

SCIENTIA MORES EMOLLIT. Tin, size 34. 

No. 15. 

Obv., from the same die as the last. Rev., a library 
with books and other appropriate accessories. A man seated 
at a table reading — in the exergue — Via ad honorem. 

Tin, size 34. 

The dies of the last two medals were made in England by David 
Binn, whose name appears on them. The fact that a very fine 

2 



C. 



10 MEMORIAL MEDALS. 

specimen of each medal was found quite recently in tlie sample 
drawer of Mr. Davis, an old die-sinker at Birmingham, where it was 
known that they had been for more than thirty years renders it 
tolerably certain that they were made in his establishment. 

No. 16. The Westwood Medal. 

Obv., bust facing right, the name of the engraver, 
Westwood, beneath the shoulder. Leg., Georgk Washing- 
ton, Esq., late President of the United States of 
America. Eev., a wreath composed of bundles of laurel 
leaves alternating with stars, above a bundle of thirteen arrows. 
Leo-., 3L\de commander-in-chief of the American forces 
the 15th June, 1775. Ins., With courage and fidelity 

HE defended the RIGHTS OF A FREE DEOPLE. DiED DeC. 14, 

1799, AGED 68. Bronze, size 25. 

The Westwood medal is of English origin and of fine work- 
manship. 

No. 17. The Westwood Medal. 

In tin. But one or two specimens are known in this metal. 



No. 18. The smaller Westwood Medal. 

Obv., bust in civil costume fiicing right, features bearing 
marks of age. The hair cut very short. Leg., George 
Washington. Ob. 14th Dec'r, 1799, je. 68. Kev., a 
wreath of oak and laurel, the divisions marked by thirteen 
stars; thirteen arrow points above. Leg., Late President 
OF THE United States of America. Ins., The hero of 

FREEDOM, THE PRIDE OF HIS COUNTRY AND- ORNAMENT OF 

human NATURE, 1800. Bronze, size 23. 

A medal rarer than the preceding, but of workmanship much 
like the last and said to be by the same artist. A person who 
spoke from personal knowledge informed the writer that the 
dies for this medal and the last, together with many others, 
were used as paving blocks to form a garden walk in Birming- 
ham, England. 



* MEMORIAL MEDALS. 11 

No. 19. The Wright Medal. 

Obv., head facing left ; initials of the engi"wer below. Leg., 
George Washington. Rev., a wreath of oak surrounding 
the inscription in six parallel lines, Born Feb. 22d, 1732; 
CHOSEN Commander-in-chiee July, 1799; chosen Presd., 
1789; DIED Dec'r 14, 1799, aged 68 years. 

Silver, size 28. 

Dies by C. C. Wright of New York. Struck also in copper 
and in tin. 

No. 20. The Wright and Bale MedaL 

Both obverse and reverse of this medal so nearly resemble 
the last that a single description will do for both. The design 
is almost identical but the work is somewhat ditferent, and it 
is not unlikely was executed jointly by the artists whose names 
it bears. Tin, size 28. 

Less frequently met with tbaii the last. 

No. 21. 

Obv., bust facing left. Leg., Gen. George Washington, 
liev., a wreath of oak leaves and acorns enclosing the inscrip- 
tion : Born Feb. 22d, 1732; died Dec. 14, 1799. 

Tin, size 26. 

A medal of great rarity; one specimen is to be seen in the 
mint cabinet at Philadelphia, and another is contained in the 
collection ofWm. S. Appleion, Esq., of Boston. 

No. 22. 

Obv., bust facing; beneath the shoulder I. B. C. Leg., 
George Washington, born Feb'y 22. 1732, died Dec'r 
i^, 1799. Rev., an eye from which rays are thrown half across 
the field of the medal. A laurel wreath encircles the inscrip- 
tion, A man he was to all his country dear. 

Copper, size 25. 

A medal, the dies for which were cut many years ago by 
one Gardiner. They remained unused and unknown until 
Avithin a short time, when they were brought to light and used 
to strike a very few impressions in cojjper and tin and still 




12 MEMOHIAL MEDALS. 

fewer iu silver, after which they were destroyed. For hideous 
uyHiie.ss the bust on this medal is unrivalled at present, and it 
is doubtful if it can ever be equalled iu the future. 

No. 23. The Fame Medal. 

Obv., bust iu citizen's dress facing- right. PI. under the 
shoulder. Leg., Wa.su sNGton, liuiiN Ekb. 11, 1732, died 
Dec. 21, 1799. llev., a view of sea and laud — the sun just 
i-ising — a ship in the distance — flying above, a beautiful figure 
of fame with trumpet and wreath of laurel. Leg., Wisdom, 
VIRTUE AND PATRIOTISM. lu the exerguc, MDCCCIIl. 

Bronze, size 22. 

The dies for this, which is not only one of the finest but also 
one of the rarest of the funeral medals, wei'e made in England. 
The artist's name is unknown. 

No. 24. The Fame Medal. 

From the WeeMij Museum, a paper published in New York, 
July 24, 1802, 1 make the following extract : '• 3Ir. Evans during 
a tour through several parts of England and Wales, remarks in a 
letter to a pupil that in Birmingham he purchased a very hand- 
some medal of the great Washington ; round the profile were 
these words: GtEORGe Washington, ob. 14th Dec, 1799, 
.ET. G8. On the reverse was the figure of Fa_:.:e with her 
trumpet, having this inscription encircled with oak and laurel. 
Emancipator of America." 

The size and metal are not mentioned, and the medal, if now 
existing, must be of extreme rarity. 

No. 25. The Wyon Medal. 

Bust in citizen's dre.ss facing right; beueath the shoulder, 
'• Wyon." Leg., GtEORGE Washington, born Feb. 11,1732, 
died Dec. 21, 1799. Rev., caduceus with cannon and bundle 
of fasces crossed. On a scroll, Kepub. Ameri. Ins., in three 
concentric circles, Gen'l of the American Armies, 1775. 
Resign'd the comm'd, 1783. Elected President of the 
United States, 1789. Resigned the Presidency, 1796. 

Bronze, size 21. 



MEMORIAL MEDALS. 18 

Of the Wyon medals there are two varieties, the first bearing 
oil the obv. George Washington, 1796. Both varieties are 
met with in copper and in tin. The dies were made in 
England. 

Kg. 26. 

Obv., Military bust facing left. Leg., George Washing- 
ton, DIED 14th December, 1799, aged 68. Kev., General 
OF the American x\rmies, 1775. Resigned the command 
1783. Elected President ov the United States, 1789. 
Reelected 1793. Resigned 1797. Inscribed in nine paral- 
lel lines. Tin, size 22. 

An exceedingly rare medal. The dies by Wyon. * 

The preceding catalogue embraces nearly all the medals 
struck prior to 1840 in commemoration of the death of Wash- 
ington, together ,with a few of later issue, which from their 
superiority of execution or some other circumstance, seemed to 
merit an extended description. 

The following list comprises only a few of the most promi- 
nent of a multitude of comparatively recent issue. Most 
of them are of very inferior workmanship and were manufac- 
tured by die-sinkers who, with more regard for money than 
reputation have sought by the multiplication of new things 
to supply the demand existing, for all that relates however 
remotely, to the great Washington. A few, particularly those 
emanating from the mint are not destitute of merit as works 
of art. 

No. 27. Merriam's Medalet. 

Obv., bust with date of birth. Rev., a tomb, with date of 
death, &c. Struck in various metals, size 20. 

No. 28. 

Obv., same as No. 22. Rev., bust of President Lincoln, 
with inscription. A very few of these were struck in several 
metals, probably not more than eight or ten in all. Size 25. 




14 ^ MEMORIAL MEDALS. 

Ko. 29. 

Obv., same as the last. Rev., an eagle holding the olive 
branch and arrows and surrounded by thirty-four stars. Struck 
in various metals but even less common than the preceding. 

Size 25. 

No. 30. Cogan's Mcclalet. 

Obv., bust facing right, " George Washington." Rev., 
within a wreath, " Born Feb'y 22, 1732, died Dec. 14, 1799. 

Various metals. Size 20. 

No. 31. New York Medalet. 

Obv., bust facing right, " George Wa.shington, born 1732, 
died 1799." Rev., arms of the State of New York. In the 
exergue, N. Y. Tin, size 16. 

The dies of this medal are now in the writer's possession ; 
thev were made many years ago at the establishment of Davis, 
a fiimous die-sinker at Birmingham, England. Though bear- 
ing the name of Davis, the work was by Carter. 

No. 33. Monument Medalet. 

Obv.; undraped bus't facing left. Ins., name, date of birth 
and death. Rev., view of the Baltimore monument surrounded 
by inscription and wreath. Various metals, size 12. 

The obverse die of this piece has been used with several re- 
verse dies, thus producing a great variety of pieces technically 
called mules. 

No. 34. 

Obv., Washington on horseback. Ins., The Father of 
OUR Country, with date of birth and death. Rev., a perpe- 
tual calendar. Brass, size 21. 

No. 35. 

Obv., full length figure of Washington (after the " Washing- 
ton before Trenton," in the Trumbull Gallery, at Yale College). 
Ins., date of birth and death. Rev.^ a perpetual calendar. 

Brass, size 22. 



MEMORIAL MEDALS. 15 

Fo. 36. 

Obv., bust fiicing right. Ins., George Washington, born 
February 22nd, 1732, died Dec. 14, 1799. Rev., a perpe- 
tual calendar. Brass, size 25. 

N"o. 37. Curtis' Medalet. 

Obv., bust half length. Ins., date of birth, death, &c. 

Various metals, size 20. 

'No. 38. Equestrian Medalet. 

Obv., Washington on horseback. Ins., George Washing- 
ton. Ixev., a circle of liberty caps surrounding an inscription 
giving the date of birth, elections to the presidency and death. 

In varioixs metals, size 18. 

No. 39. Robinson's Medalet. 

Obv., bust surrounded with ornamental scroll work and in- 
scription. Rev., a wreath surrounding an inscription in nine 
lines, giving date of birth, prominent events in life, and date 
of death. In various metals, size 21. 

No. 40. The Mint Memorial. 

Obv., a very beavxtifully executed bust facing right. Rev., 
a wreath enclosing an inscription giving date of birth and 
death. Silver, gold and bronze, size 11. 

No. 41. 

Obv., bust fiicing right. Rev., shield and wreaths. " Born 
1732, died 1799." Silver, size 19. 

1^0. 42. 

Obv., same as the last. Rev., liberty cap with rays, stars 
and eagles, " Washington, natus 1732, obit 1799." 

Silver, size 19. 

m. 43. 

Obv., undraped bust facing left. Rev., shield, "Born 
1732, died 1709." Silver, size 19. 



16 MEMORIAL MEDALS. 

No. 44. 

Obv., same as the last. Rev., '-Washington, natus 1732, 
obit 1799." Silver, size 19. 

No. 45. 

Obv., equestrian statue at New York ; two varieties, the ob- 
verse being struck with the reverse, of each of the last two 
medals described. Silver, size 19. 

No. 46. 

Obv., equestrian statue at Richmond ; two varieties; reverses 
similar to the preceding. Silver, size 19. 

No. 47. 

Obv., Tomb at Mt. A^ernon. Ya. Rev., a shield, " Born 
1732, died 1799." Silver, size 19. 

No. 48. Calendar for 1863. 

Obv., •■ Washington, born Feb'y 22, 1732, died Dec'r 1790." 

Brass, size 2G. 



riif 



